In Karnali, basic healthcare can mean hours of waiting

In Karnali Province, basic healthcare services are severely lacking, with patients facing lengthy waiting times and inadequate care. Mahesh KC Khim Bahadur Oli, whose child required medical attention, spent nearly four hours waiting for a doctor and another three hours before receiving results. Rukum West District Hospital, which has sanctioned posts for specialists, currently has only three doctors in working capacity, with critical maternity services suspended due to lack of a gynaecologist.

The hospital is burdened with patients from surrounding districts, with over 200 visits per day. Similar issues plague Salyan District Hospital, where only one specialist and five medical officers are working, leading to patients being forced to seek treatment elsewhere in emergencies. The shortage of medical staff, particularly specialists, has forced hospitals to rely on medical officers to handle extensive patient loads, leading to long wait times and inadequate care.